HORSES TO WATCH

By: AMERICAN TURF CLUB

AQUEDUCT

APRIL EYES: Dropped into $10k claimers last out but could do no better than seventh, may have needed that race and she does have backclass to call on. Was claimed that day so new surroundings may help also.

ATFIRST BLUSH: Six year old moved up a few classes up the claiming ladder but could do no better than fourth after making a move on the turn. A slight drop in class gets the job done.

BABY GRAY: Didn’t run that badly in her first try with winners and finished fourth behind a runaway winner, follow right back with NW1X statebred allowance foes.

BE LONG GONE: Showed much improved speed in her second career start but tired as they hit the top of the stretch. Look for a stretchout in distance and an attempted steal on the lead at a price.

D. D. NIGHT STAR: Put in a solid run last out to finish second to an interesting three year old that may have a future, she is ready to score next out.

HOLLYBYGOLLY: Chased the two leaders most recently but didn’t have any punch when it counted and she checked in fourth. Should improve with a stretchout in distance.

IF IT’S MEANT TO B: New York bred filly raced evenly last out finishing fourth to the odds-on choice and may need some class relief to show her best.

ISLAND CHARM: Needed his last start trying to chase the leader before fading in the drive. Can handle distance long to short and should be much tighter next out.

MISS PARK PLACE: Was easily outrun behind some very quick fractions but did settle in and put in a good run while down on the inside to finish second. Dutrow Jr. trainee fits at the $25k level right now.

SINISTER G: Made a big move to take the lead down the backside but tired to finish last of six in a solid optional claiming field last out. A turnback into a sprint is another option.

SONNY AND ROSE: Has been over his head for a while now and needs a drop into $20k claimers to be at his best, be there.

TOKEN DEM: Couldn’t make the lead last out going 5 ½ furlongs and may benefit from another half a furlong and a clear lead.

UNCLE FESTOR: Stretched out in distance in his second career start but chased and faded in the lane. A drop into maiden claimers gets the job done.

4STARSPECIAL: LAND MINE: Ran a good third most recently in his first try for the Dutrow Jr. barn especially turning back into a quickly run sprint race; handles many distances.

LONGSHOT: BRITISH LION: May have found the right level last out when dropping into NW2L $30k claimers. He showed much improved speed battling with two other horses while racing three wide but tired to finish sixth. Follow back at a price with similar.

GOLDEN GATE

A.P. DIXIE: Got little respect off his score versus $12.5k taggers, but really outran his odds with a third-place finish at 43-1 against $25k claimers most recently. Give him a look.

ANGEL’S GATE: Clearly on the improve in Northern California after getting crushed in a pair of outings at the Oak Tree meeting last October. Recent third at 17-1 is good enough to beat similar.

CROSSING BORDERS: Got caught in a suicidal speed duel [:21 4/5 & :44 1/5 splits] with the eventual winner last time and stayed on for third. Consistent gelding from William Morey’s barn.

FINANCIAL: Went into hiding after getting claimed for $12.5k in February 2005 and finally resurfaced to finish fifth at 20-1 Feb. 11. Wouldn’t be surprised if he snuck in the gimmicks.

FLASHY BOY: Off the board in five starts since graduating back in October. Crossed the line a close fourth in the slop on New Year’s eve; pray for rain before you play.

HALF A DOLLAR MAID: Always runs her race, but doesn’t win as often as she should. Better than her two-for-24 record indicates.

MINTURN: Got little respect at 19-1 in his latest, but held his own to place fifth after trailing the field early. Very capable at the basement.

NUMEROUS Xs: Wanted no part of that 1 ¼-mile affair Feb. 12. Brings his best game up to one mile; turf or dirt at $10k.

SIMPLY VICTORIOUS: Speedy, loves to win [10-for-35 lifetime] and is in very good hands with conditioner Wesley Ward. Victory!

TRUE SLEEPER: Was ninth, beaten 20 in her debut, then improved to finish a well-beaten third second time out at a healthy 27-1. Continued improvement is expected.

TWOEYESONTHEHELM: Set quick splits of :22 1/5 and :45 1/5 [making her first start since Dec. 17] before weakening in the stretch to be third. Moves forward.

WIDE OUT: Lightly raced seven-year-old now has three under his belt since returning from the shelf; setting up for a score at Golden Gate.

4STARSPECIAL: SMOKEY STOVER: Looked like a runner based on his two :47 2/5 workouts and delivered the goods at first asking, scoring by 2 ½ lengths in a snappy 1:09 1/5. Another good one for Gilchrist and Aleo.

LONGSHOT: OBERMUTTEN: Popped at 39-1 last November and has run some decent ones at prices since. Fifth-place finishes at 16-1 Dec. 14 and 33-1 Feb. 11 shouldn’t be taken lightly.